Ah, The Equinox and Lunar Planting

Once again the time is upon us. A day of equal daylight and darkness, and a day of transition. Goodbye Summer, hello Autumn!

For some it is a day of religious significance, but for others it means it is time to plant either the summer or winter crops. For me it is about the time to prepare the winter veggie patch for planting next weekend. I have also been researching and learning about moon planting of late, and believe there is something to this ancient practice. According to the moon gardening calendar, this week is a week to prepare garden beds with compost, weeding, and just relaxing. After the new moon next week, it will be a time to plant seeds that grow above ground and the weekend after that I will be planting root crops like parsnips.

If you want to learn more have a look at Darren’s blog Green-Change. He has just had an article written about him and his garden in the local newspaper. Well done mate!

He is a big fan of Lunar planting and you can find advice in the left hand panel of his blog. I will certainly be giving it a go this season. Last winter, I ended up with the most dreadful crop of broccoli, and today I traced back via my blog to the date I planted them. By my calculations, I definitely planted them at the wrong time of the month, and they just did not grow, and were insect laden within a month.

So, compared to last season, what do I really have to loose. Time will tell if it all works out.

Gav

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

Related

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Comments

Hi Gavin, I am trying it too and I have to say that it is working so far. I have actually managed to get a row of parsnip seedlings, something I have failed at several times before. I use Cosmic Garden’s little summary.

I’ll be interested to read how you go with lunar planting, and what you think of it.

I figure even if there’s no scientific basis for it, it’s still interesting to follow an ancient tradition and gain a little insight into how people used to organise themselves. Plus it makes you more aware of the rhythms of nature, which can only be a good thing.

Hi Gav,I’ll give it a go. I have some broccoli, chard, beetroot and lettuce sprouted in containers and diggers seeds due in the post any day now. I’ll save planting out till next weekend. Have the beds prepared ready to go. This will be my first attempt at lunar planting. It’s a fascinating subject. CheersAnita

Make sure you use the correct Zodiac for your moon planting. Many people use the Tropical ( astrological) zodiac because they are familiar with sun sign ( newspaper)astrology, but the Sidereal zodiac ( which is 23 degrees different to the Tropical) is what is used by biodynamic gardeners as it gives the correct elements (Fire Earth Air Water)according to the astronomical rhythm. This is essential in planting on the right days. If you just want to use basic phases then they are the same in both systems but using the constellations will give better results. Those ‘tables’ you find in Better Homes and Gardens etc are incomplete and use astrology not astronomy.

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Feedjit

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese